Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2)80
BEING HELPED. There is a hidden reciprocity in this text that should not be overlooked. Notice it does not only say “bear others’ burdens” but “bear one another’s burdens.” It is possible for spouses to get into a pattern in which one person is always in difficulty and the other is always rescuing. It is not enough to help others—you must be willing to be helped. The gospel removes the proud self-centeredness that despises people who are in weakness. But it also removes the proud self-centeredness that despises and hates to admit any of your own weakness and need. Anyone who is afraid to admit weakness and accept help hasn’t really grasped fully the gospel of grace.
Reflection: It can feed your pride to help others—but it takes real humility to allow yourself to be helped. In your marriage, is one of you more reluctant to be helped? What can you do to change?
Prayer: Lord God, the gospel offers free grace and mercy through Christ, and only those who are too proud to be helped by it are lost. Hatred of being helped is eternally fatal. Don’t let it characterize my life—help me remove it. Amen.